Police foiled an attempt to kidnap a female professor at the University of Jazan. The professor, who is of Asian nationality, boarded the car of a 28-year-old citizen, who claimed he would drive her to the university as her driver was late for work.

The professor was surprised to find the citizen heading for the province of Sabia instead of the university. When asked why he changed direction, he demanded she give him her ATM card and threatened to kill her.

In an bid to avoid a police checkpoint, the man attempted to take a U-turn in violation of traffic regulations. Chased by police and asked to stop, the driver took to a dirt road but lost control of the vehicle.

Red Crescent ambulance teams transferred both the driver and the professor to Jazan General Hospital. Investigations confirmed the driver attempted to kidnap and steal the ATM card of the professor.

Spokesman for Jazan police Maj. Abdul Rahman Al-Zahrani said investigations are under way and the citizen will be transferred to the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution for further action.